HJE looking for host families in late July through early August
There are still openings for host families this summer for Japanese guests from Kasukabe, Japan. The dates have not been confirmed, but generally, the students arrive during the last week of July and return after the first week in August. If any family is available during this timeframe, they will be eligible to be selected as a host.
As a host family, the requirements are minimal. Serving as a host family, the committee will first look for a teenage daughter or son in the household to share the American lifestyle. It is noteworthy that host students from Haddonfield Memorial High School will receive top priority when planning the trip to Japan next summer.
Host families are required to provide a bedroom or a shared room with someone of the same gender. The family will also provide breakfast daily, as well as dinner on most nights. There is no need to alter eating habits because the students are here to experience the American lifestyle. If a family normally have toast, coffee, or juice for breakfast, that is fine. The same guidelines apply to dinner. If a family has pizza or soup and sandwiches, that is also fine. There is no need to cook Japanese food for the guest.
During the day, the Haddonfield Japan Exchange Committee will take over. Daily plans and activities will be provided by the HJE Committee, such as trips around Haddonfield, the Jersey shore, historic sites in Philadelphia, or other day trips to New York or Washington DC. The program might include tubing on the Delaware River, bowling, visits to museums and other activities.
Another expected requirement would be to attend a meeting before the overseas guests’ arrival to review the two-week program and pick up a few Japanese words to make them feel welcome. The committee will also answer as many questions that interested families have. Finally, host families would need to attend the Welcome Party, when the HJE Japanese visitors arrive from the airport. The program on weekends will be light, allowing families to spend time with guests. At the conclusion, each host family will be invited to the Festive Sayonara party held at Tavistock.
If anyone would like more information or need an application, please visit www.HJEx.org. If anyone has any additional questions, please contact Bill Brown at 856–429–4368.
